Following the excitement of the T20 World Cup and the heated race to the World Test Championship final, the cricketing spotlight now turns to ODI cricket with the ICC Champions Trophy 2025. Set to kick off on February 19 in Pakistan, the tournament marks the country’s first major ICC event since hosting the 1996 ODI World Cup.
Following the excitement of the 2023 ODI World Cup, ODIs faded in 2024, but the Champions Trophy seeks to reignite interest. Returning after eight years, the last edition in 2017 saw Pakistan’s historic 180-run win over India in the final.
The tournament has eight teams, split into two groups. Group A features rivals Pakistan and India, along with Bangladesh and New Zealand, promising thrilling clashes. Group B includes champions Australia, England, South Africa, and debutants Afghanistan. The top two teams from each group advance to the semi-finals.
Here’s a look at how the Group A teams shape up before the tournament:
India: Strong Contenders Despite Bumrah’s Injury
India enter the Champions Trophy as favourites, boasting a star-studded squad despite Jasprit Bumrah’s injury. Led by Rohit Sharma, the batting lineup remains strong with Kohli, Gill, and Iyer.
Their all-rounders—Pandya, Jadeja, Axar, and Sundar—add balance, while newcomers Harshit Rana and Varun Chakravarthy strengthen the bowling attack. After finishing as 2023 ODI World Cup runners-up, India aim to clinch the title.
India’s squad for the ICC Champions Trophy: Rohit Sharma (c), Shubman Gill (v-c), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (wk), Rishabh Pant (wk), Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Washington Sundar, Mohammad Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakravarthy.
Pakistan: Defending Champions Target Home Glory
As hosts and defending champions, Pakistan aim to capitalize on home advantage under Mohammad Rizwan’s leadership. Despite coaching instability, their formidable pace attack—Afridi, Rauf, and Naseem—remains a key strength as they seek to replicate their 2017 triumph.
Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman will anchor Pakistan’s batting lineup, which must perform consistently under pressure.
Pakistan Squad for Champions Trophy: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Mohammad Hasnain, Fakhar Zaman, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Usman Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Tayyab Tahir, Faheem Ashraf, Khushdil Shah, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
New Zealand: Eyeing White-Ball Glory
Led by new captain Mitchell Santner, New Zealand remain strong contenders, aiming for their first major ODI title since 2000. Known for their ICC consistency, they start their campaign against Pakistan in Karachi. With experienced players like Williamson, Conway, and Ferguson, the Kiwis have a well-balanced squad ready to compete.
New Zealand squad for Champions Trophy: Mitchell Santner (c), Matt Henry, Tom Latham, Michael Bracewell, Mark Chapman, Devon Conway, Will O’Rourke, Glenn Phillips, Rachin Ravindra, Lockie Ferguson, Daryl Mitchell, Nathan Smith, Kane Williamson, Will Young, Jacob Duffy.
Bangladesh: Underdogs with Big Aspirations
Bangladesh aim to defy the odds under skipper Nazmul Hossain Shanto, who confidently eyes the title. Despite inconsistent form, their 2017 semi-final run boosts confidence. With veterans Mahmudullah and Mushfiqur Rahim providing experience, young talents like Tawhid Hridoy and Mehidy Hasan Miraz seek to make an impact.
Bangladesh squad for Champions Trophy: Nazmul Hossain Shanto (c), Rishad Hossain, Soumya Sarkar, Tanzid Hasan, Tawhid Hridoy, Jaker Ali Anik, Mehidy Hasan Miraz, Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Mushfiqur Rahim, MD Mahmud Ullah, Parvez Hossain Emon, Nasum Ahmed, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Nahid Rana.
Group A Fixtures:
February 19 – Pakistan vs New Zealand, Karachi
February 20 – India vs Bangladesh, Dubai
February 23 – India vs Pakistan, Dubai
February 24 – Bangladesh vs New Zealand,
Rawalpindi
February 27 – Pakistan vs Bangladesh,
Rawalpindi
March 2 – India vs New Zealand, Dubai
The semi-finals are set for March 4 in Dubai and March 5 in Lahore, with the final on March 9 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. If India qualifies, the final will be moved to Dubai.
Get the latest cricket news here, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more such updates.
